This month’s instructor feature is De Jur. We had the opportunity to practice with her a few months ago and it was a wonderful experience. Her work in institutional organizations is truly inspiring. We asked her to sit and share her story with us and we know that you will love her as much as we do.

I first discovered Yoga in 2001, as an alternative therapy option for recovering from surgery. More than 16 years later, Yoga has kept me injury free as well served as an outlet for daily stress.

For the last 35 years I have worked as a flight attendant. Although I love my other career, it can be challenging to work in such a confined space. My Yoga practice has enabled me to cope with the stressful environment of working with the public in small, tight spaces for long periods of time.

In 2011, I decided to further my practice and participate in a 200-hour- RYT certified training. While at the training, I stumbled upon an article about James Fox’s Prison Yoga Project that teaches Yoga at San Quentin. I decided then that I wanted to learn more about teaching in such institutions. I trained with Fox and currently I teach classes around Los Angeles including women’s county jails and prisons, juvenile hall and parolee resource centers. I am committed to sharing my deep love of Yoga through my work with under-resourced and under-served communities. Teaching Yoga in such spaces has allowed me to help others cope with trauma and other various obstacles that they have experienced.

After experiencing the transformative powers of Yoga, I completed a 300-hour certification in Yoga Therapy from Loyola Marymount University under the direction of Dr. Larry Payne. My teachers Dr. Payne, Hala Khouri, Felicia Tomasko, Dianne Bondy and so many others continue to influence me. I am proud to have served on the board of UpRising Yoga and as a co-facilitator. I am member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, the Yoga Service Council, and Black Yoga Teachers Alliance. I am also an Accessible Yoga ambassador and an ambassador for Yoga and Body Image Coalition.

I am proud to be part of a movement that believes Yoga is possible for everyone and every body type. For information on teaching corporate, group and private therapeutic wellness classes, please contact me at idreaminyoga@gmail.com

Do you have a yoga teacher that inspires you? Reach out and let us know. We would love to send some love to instructors all over the world.

Its that time of the year again, where the winter blues have us wanting to press snooze on our alarm clocks. Maybe it’s the weather or maybe it has more to do with the come down after the holidays. Whatever it is, it exists and is not conducive with the intentions set January 1st. We have round up a few tips to beat those blues and feel like our snooze buttons can be permanently removed from our alarm clocks.

#1. Plan a trip. Having something to look forward to is essential in getting through a funk. We introduced Mandy last month HERE. We think Mandy’s next yoga retreat might to the trick. We can’t think of anything better than yoga and exploring a new place.

#2. Try something new. This might seem simple and guess what… it is. Something that you notice in children is that they are constantly trying new things, creating new experiences because everything is new to them. Why not step out of your comfort zone try something that you have previously designated as “so not me.” You may be surprised how great you feel after. We can’t wait to take yogance with cuchira who happens to be teaching all over the country. Check out a list of her schedule here

#3. Get outside. You may have already heard that being outside can positively affect your mood and health. REI #optoutside campaign promotes the people connecting not only with the outdoors but, also with each other. The best part about this tip is that it is free.

Pregnancy is an adventure. As any mother-to-be can tell you, maintaining a happy and healthy pregnancy is extremely important, but can be difficult to achieve from one day to the next. Whether it’s your 1st or your 5th pregnancy, each pregnancy presents both easy and challenging days. Yoga is a fantastic way to manage these changes through a full body, mind, and soul workout.

Yoga classes are also a great way to meet other expectant moms in your area. The solidarity and support of other mothers-to-be can help you manage those challenging days. Many yoga studios offer prenatal classes designed to work within the body’s limits during pregnancy.

Moms, if you are interested in pursuing yoga during your pregnancy, keep these things in mind: avoid overly intense workouts and hot rooms, stay hydrated, and skip inversions. Most instructors are able to modify positions to accommodate the expectant mother. Make sure to consult a doctor before starting a new workout routine.

Although yoga might not be for you, every woman should have a safe and healthy pregnancy. One such organization that is providing that opportunity for woman around the world is Every Mother Counts.

Every Mother Counts is a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. Founder Christy Turlington Burns aims to bring awareness to the growing problems in prenatal care and childbirth around the world. EMC has raised over 13 million dollars to provide education, supplies, and transportation to mothers and health care providers globally to insure a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

Anymatic has been a huge supporter of EMC through the years. As a mother herself, our CEO Maryl Georgi is very passionate about the organization and continues to advocates’ for them in every way she can.

Here at Anymatic, we wish all expectant mothers a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. If you would like to get more information at Every Mother Counts please visit their website everymothercounts.org.

Do you love slow cooker recipes? Who doesn’t like to come home to the smell of a delicious home cooked meal? That’s hard to do if you live alone or are out all day. Fortunately, slow cookers (or crock pots) make it easy to have delicious home cooked meals even when you can’t be home to cook all day.

One of our favorite slow cooker recipes comes from third-generation pit master Adrian Davila. This Barbecue master has his hands full managing his family’s restaurant, Davila’s BBQ, writing a cookbook and competing on Food Network’s new show “BBQ Blitz.” His busy schedule is probably what prompted him to develop a slow cooker recipe for pulled pork. Check out how easy this is to make:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

One 3- to 4-pound bone-in pork shoulder

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons yellow mustard

1/2 cup light brown sugar

One 12-ounce can spiced soda, such as Dr. Pepper

1 teaspoon mesquite liquid smoke

12 sandwich buns

Directions

Special equipment: a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Rub the oil completely over the pork and season with the salt, pepper and cayenne. Brown the pork shoulder in the skillet on all sides; this will take about 10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and allow to cool slightly before rubbing with the mustard, then coating with the brown sugar.

Place the pork in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker, then add the soda and liquid smoke. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. When it is done, the pork will feel extremely tender when prodded.

Remove the pork from the slow cooker, then shred the meat using 2 forks and pull off the bone. Mix the meat with any remaining cooking liquid from the slow cooker. Serve with sandwich buns and toppings of your choice.

Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Here are several excellent recipes to check out.

Akin’s Army is a lifestyle that is about holding yourself to the highest standards. It is about being united, focused, assertive, and determined. Joining Akin’s Army can propel your fitness goals, strengthen your mind, and set your life on fire. Akin’s Army bootcamp is a full body workout that uses plyometrics and calisthenics to work on form, agility, strength, and endurance. They also encourage a sense of community where the members all support and push one another to do their best.

Akin’s Army was founded by Akin Akman who has been an instructor and coach since 2003 all over the world. He is currently in New York City and teaches indoor cycling at SoulCycle, boot camp at Crunch, and serves as a personal trainer to top models and actors. Akin is known for pushing trainees past their breaking points and helping them tackle obstacles they never thought possible. If you live in New York City, Anymatic is a huge fan of Akin and we would definitely recommend joining Akin’s Army. Our very own Maryl Georgi had the opportunity to catch up with Akin at the SoulCycle in Brentwood recently. She had a vigorous workout then snapped a quick picture with Akin.

The members of Akin’s Army come from many different professional backgrounds but are united in their pursuit to find what it takes to be the best. Akin’s Army challenges each individual to achieve their best selves and push their personal boundaries. Akin’s Army has grown into a community and the members support and encourage each other to become the “best of the best”. Read more about Akin on Urban Outfitters and Well and Good. Don’t live in New York City? Be sure to join in a class if he ever comes to your city or if you are ever in town. We guarantee you will get a great workout and come away feeling inspired to perform at your best.

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